October & Breast Cancer Awareness

Pumpkins, beer and costumes are usually what come to mind when you think about the month of October. However, pink is the new orange, and breast cancer awareness in October go hand-in-hand. The Susan G. Komen foundation has done an incredible job to promote breast cancer awareness in October. Last Sunday, I enjoyed watching my team the Carolina Panthers wearing pink. It was awesome seeing these tough guys sporting pink shoes and the NFL promoting their hashtag- #NFLPINK. When we bring a devastating disease like Breast Cancer to the forefront, it reminds us of the importance of regular self breast exams, educating others on the early signs of breast cancer, having mammograms, and most importantly working to find a cure.

1 in 8 U.S. women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. I don't want to become a statistic; I want to find a cure and end breast cancer forever. I want to tell you about an easy and fun way to give to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. PDQ is selling pink Shake Out Breast Cancer shirts for $5. When you buy a shirt at PDQ, a donation will be made to NBCF, and you will get a free milkshake. Wear your shirt on all your return visits in October, and you will receive a free milkshake with a combo meal purchase. Have enough tees in your closet, then just buy a shake and a donation will be made to NBCF. 

Keeping Your Sanity and Femininity in a House of Boys

Disclaimer- I love my boys and being a boy-mom, but Mama is a girl.

I couldn't take it anymore. I had enough. It was another rainy Saturday, and my hubby was sick in bed. That thing they say about when men get sick; it's all true. My two young boys were bouncing off the walls, and I was wracking my brain thinking of what to do. We ended up attending a Super Hero day at the bookstore and then dinner and playtime at McDonald's. Later that night, I was scrolling through Facebook and looking at what my friends did on this soggy day. About half of them went to the live performance of "The Little Mermaid" and the other half got pedicures with their little princesses. 

I am the only female in my house. Even our dog is a boy. I knew I wasn't the only mom struggling to keep her sanity and femininity in a male dominated house. I remembered the research paper I wrote in high school about breaking through the glass ceiling, and I realized my predicament took the whole glass ceiling theory to another level. More like baseballs breaking my glass chandelier. 

Found this at The Purple Polka Dot

Anyway, what's a mom in a boy-filled world supposed to do? Well, I made a list of all the girly, pretty, and relaxing feminine activities and things I enjoy. In the next couple of weeks, I'm going to be sharing with you my girly-girl favorite things plus talking with other moms. Stay tuned to read about beautiful jewelry, manicures, pretty dresses, retail therapy and give-a-ways! 

Racing for the Cure

It starts with a story and then ends at the finish line. For some it begins with feeling a lump while showering or getting that unwanted call. For me it's a loving Aunt, a strong mother, and my own scare. My Aunt Rachel found a lump in her breast. It was cancer. A fellow MOPS mom was having complications after giving birth; it was breast cancer. I had a large mass in my left breast. What could it be? For each of us the road was uncertain.

Aunt Rachel found herself having many chemo treatments followed by a full mastectomy. She is in remission now.

The MOPS mom fought a hard battle. They didn't discover the cancer until it was too late. She died. I remember reading the email from her family. The tears rolled down my face as I imagined her husband and her three small children without her. It was surreal,  a young mother dying of breast cancer. It wasn't a disease for the old or the unhealthy, it effected everyone.

My scare began with a cyst that wouldn't stop growing. I scheduled to have it surgically removed. When the doctors operated they discovered it was more than a cyst, but a large mass. A biopsy was done, but thankfully it was benign. A scar on my left breast reminds me of that scare plus yearly visits to my doctor.

Last year was my first time running in the Komen Triangle Race for the Cure event. It's not just a race; it's a celebration for the women in our lives who have been effected by breast cancer. Some of them survivors and  others who fought courageous battles to the end, yet for both of them a time of remembrance.

Pink and white tents cover the front field at Meredith College, a bounce house in one corner and stage with a band performing on the other. Runners in pink shirts, tutus and knee high socks crowd around the starting line. It's a sea of pink. The adrenaline is rising and the gun shot is heard and off we go. I remember thinking about Aunt Rachel, the MOPS mom and myself during the run. They stayed the course on their own race, and now as if the baton was handed to me, I would carry their name and their memory to the finish line.

Yes, someday soon; there will be a cure to breast cancer!

*This year (June 14, 2014) I'm teaming up with Vend Raleigh Mompreneurs and organizing a team of moms, sisters, and friends. We are also partnering with local businesses to offer team t-shirts. Visit Team Vend Raleigh Mompreneurs to join the team. Email Rachel to become or learn more about becoming a sponsor.